The Problem of Malignant Transformation in a Nasal Papilloma: Report of a Case

Abstract

EPITHELIAL papillomata of the nasal cavity are rare,^1,2 and even rarer still are nasal papillomata reported to have undergone a malignant change. A review of the literature revealed only 14 such cases. Since we had occasion to observe a case in which such malignant change occurred, it was considered worthwhile to review the previously reported cases and to report this additional case. Hellman³ reported the first such case in 1897. His patient had been treated for recurrences of a nasal papilloma over a ten year period, and on microscopic examination of the last specimen a malignant change was noted for the first time. Kramer and Som,⁴ in 1935, reported a case of papillary carcinoma of the left nostril and antrum. Three biopsies in the preceding three years had revealed no evidence of malignancy. Further review of the previous biopsy specimens gave no clues of malignancy. Hall